Considering the fact that we're approaching the end of the 2008 Koicalendar, things are still pretty hectic in the NWKS diary.On Sunday 21st Sept, we visited a few of the members of the East Midlands Koi Club and Richdon Koi9 NWKS members made the trip. It would have been more than 9,but I B****ed up on my mid week 'phone around' to remindfolk, and missed Steve Rogers off my list. Sorry Steve. I owe you a trip to the East Mids & Richdon.Our trip was pretty straight forward, and the 2 cars had time to pull in for Coffee and Mac D's breakfast near Stoke.

First pond was Martin Barnett's (a.k.a Mushio). 7000 gallons, with Block filters, 2 windowsand some of the best Koi you'll see in the UK.Mushio bowled several of his Show winners for a closer look,and also gave us some insight into what makes a Good koi,and what makes a Great one.

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Mushio's hospitality also extended to sharing his other passion with several NWKS members. Marston's Pedigree!

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Mushio and his wife Ronnie then took us to Darren Turner's pond (a.k.a. Dazza / Maxamber).Dazza was unavailable as he plays footie, so his wife Emma looked after us.The pond is about a year old, again with Block filtersand a huge window. Again, there were quite a few show winners in this pond.

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Pond number 3 was owned by Mike (Burnsey) and Julie Burns. A lovely pond and garden, with some terrific koi.

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There was also a huge Sterlet swimming around,looking like something out of Jurassic park. Mike works at RichdonKoi, and as Richard and Donna were away on holiday in the Maldives, Mike was working that weekend.

Final stop was Richdon Koi. We were met by Burnsey and Greg Sutton. Greg showed several of us around the 50,000 gallon pondin the poly tunnel where some terrific Tosai are being grown onWe also got to see the Block built filters that keep the 21,000 gallon display pond sparkling.Greg has kindly agreed to judge our Photo Show this year.There is no truth to the rumour that several NWKS enquiredabout how much Greg would require as a bribe!!! LOL!

The discounts on offer at the main fish house tempted at least one member to buy a koi, whilst the rest of us made do with dry goods.

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A great day out, with superb weather and wonderful koi.Thanks to Mushio and Ronnie for spending the time to show us around.